Comedian. Television host. Movie Star. Top-rated syndicated Radio Personality. Father of 6. For over 20 years. Rickey Smiley is one of the most beloved performers in American media, earning a reputation for delivering boundless laughter on-air, on-stage, and on-screen. Every morning, millions of Americans in nearly 60 cities listen to Rickey Smiley and his 6 outrageous cast members on “The Rickey Smiley Morning Show.” His interviews with major celebrities, social political awareness and trademark prank phone calls have made Smiley one of the most listened to radio personalities in history. Rickey Smiley’s down home southern humor, opting to use insight rather than vulgarity to get laughs, is at the core of his success. His audiences are treated to such original characters as “Mrs. Bernice Jenkins”, “Lil’ Darrl,” “Joe Willie” and “Beauford.” Smiley is known for his clean comedic style and his reputation to sell out venues across the country. To movie audiences, Smiley is best known for “All About The Benjamins” and “Friday After Next”. He’s recorded 8 best selling CDs including iTunes #1 Best Selling Comedy Album, “Rickey Smiley- Prank Calls Number 6”. On television he”s hosted BET’s “Open Casket Sharp” and “Comic View”, appeared on “Showtime At The Apollo,” “Uptown Comedy Club”, HBO’s “Def Comedy Jam”and “Snaps”. Smiley graduated from Alabama State University, became KBFB’s (Dallas) morning show personality in 2004, and soon moved his show to WHTA Atlanta. When not performing, Smiley is the ultimate devoted father, single-handedly raising 6 kids, the subject of a soon to be released parenting book. QUOTE: “Success is when preparation meets opportunity” @thersms
We said goodbye to a legend over the weekend. B.B. King was laid to rest in his hometown of Indianola, Mississippi on Saturday following an invitation-only funeral and memorial service at the Bell Grove Missionary Baptist Church. The Rolling Stone reports the three-and-a-half hour service was live-streamed by the Mississippi Public Broadcasting.
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King’s longtime personal assistant Myron Johnson, Mississippi Governor Phil Bryant and country singer Marty Stuart remembered King through eulogies. In addition, Fats Domino performed “Amazing Grace at the service.
President Barack Obama, although not in attendance, penned a letter in memory of King that was read at the funeral service by Mississippi Congressman Bennie Thompson.
“B.B. may be gone but that thrill will be with us forever. And there’s going to be one killer blues session in heaven tonight,” Obama wrote.
Former President Bill Clinton and Stevie Wonder were among others who contributed to the memorial service.
King died May 14 in Las Vegas, at the age of 89. Get more from the funeral at The Rolling Stone.
